Ford Expedition

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Model Overview

For people that are averse to the idea of owning minivans but must have lots of space for people and cargo, the Ford Expedition will give you all that in a package that’s off-road-worthy and comes standard with lots of torque courtesy of its 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6. Like the rest of the Ford lineup, the Expedition also comes with Sync 3, which has been greatly improved and now comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

History

Originally introduced for the 1996 model year, the Ford Expedition was designed as a large SUV that slotted above the Explorer. Two V-8 engines, a 4.6-liter and 5.3-liter, were offered and paired exclusively to a four-speed automatic transmission. The Expedition also had a pneumatic air-ride suspension system that raised or lowered the car depending on the road conditions. Seating for nine passengers was available as well as optional captain’s chairs for the first and second rows.

The second-generation Expedition arrived in 2002 as a 2003 model and featured a similar front fascia to the third-generation Ford Explorer. Compared to the SUV it replaced, the second-generation Expedition featured an independent rear suspension setup instead of a live rear axle, which improved its ride quality. The same engines and transmission carried over from the previous generation but the selectable full-time four-wheel drive system received a new transfer case with a locking center differential that can vary torque front to rear.

The Latest Generation

Ford revealed the current third-generation Expedition for the 2007 model year. This generation of the Expedition was the first to receive a long-wheelbase model called the Expedition EL. Under the hood, only the 5.4-liter V-8 was available and the four-speed automatic was replaced by a six-speed unit. The selectable full-time four-wheel drive system gained a new off-road setting that puts it in four-low mode and changes the throttle response. Additional sound deadening including a laminated windshield was added to help make the Expedition’s interior quieter. From the 2015 model year and onward, the old 5.4-liter V-8 was replaced by the 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6 rated at 365 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque.

In a 2015 First Test, we said that the twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6 offers excellent acceleration despite the Expedition being heavier than its direct competitors such as the Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon. Despite its age, the Expedition’s steering is also better, making it easy to maneuver on the road while the independent rear suspension gives it a better ride. “The independent rear suspension ensures the cabin is a calmer place for passengers than in the live-axle Chevy on bumpy back roads, and helps the big Expedition track better through the twisties,” we said.

Why You’d Consider One

Should you need a rig other than a minivan that can haul a full load of passengers and cargo at the same time, the Expedition, especially the long-wheelbase EL variant, gives you all the space you need. Ford’s Sync 3 multimedia interface should also ensure that you’ve got an easy-to-use infotainment system to manage your music and connectivity needs.

Why You’d Look Elsewhere

If you must have your massive SUV with a V-8 engine, then competitors like the Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban may be your only choice because the Expedition is only offered with an EcoBoost twin-turbo V-6. Additionally, some of the Expedition’s competitors feature better interior build quality with a more modern design. Even with the downsized engine, the Expedition’s fuel economy isn’t as good as some car-based crossovers thanks to its curb weight of nearly three tons.